Kheda Barech Defai
Actor
About Kheda Barech Defai
Kheda Barech was a non-professional Iranian villager who was cast by director Abbas Kiarostami in his acclaimed 1987 film 'Where Is The Friend's House?' She played the role of Ahmad's mother in this minimalist masterpiece that was part of Kiarostami's Koker trilogy. Barech was discovered in the village of Koker, Iran, where Kiarostami filmed many of his works, using local non-actors to achieve authentic performances. Her natural, understated portrayal of a concerned mother became an integral part of the film's emotional core, contributing to its international acclaim. Unlike professional actors, Barech had no prior acting experience and returned to her village life after the film's completion, making her appearance in cinema a unique, one-time contribution to Iranian film history.
The Craft
On Screen
Naturalistic, authentic, non-trained performance typical of Kiarostami's casting of local villagers
Milestones
- Cast as Ahmad's mother in Abbas Kiarostami's 'Where Is The Friend's House?' (1987)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Kheda Barech's performance exemplifies Abbas Kiarostami's revolutionary approach to casting non-professional actors, which became a hallmark of Iranian New Wave cinema. Her authentic portrayal contributed to the film's international recognition and helped establish the aesthetic of neorealist filmmaking in Iran. The success of 'Where Is The Friend's House?' and its casting approach influenced countless filmmakers worldwide to seek authenticity through non-professional performers.
Lasting Legacy
While Kheda Barech had only one film role, her contribution to cinema represents the democratization of film acting and the power of authentic human expression on screen. Her performance stands as a testament to Kiarostami's belief that ordinary people could convey profound emotions without professional training. She remains part of the important legacy of Iranian cinema's emergence on the international stage in the late 1980s.
Who They Inspired
Her natural performance style influenced the casting approaches of many Iranian and international filmmakers who sought authenticity over professional polish. The success of her role helped validate the use of non-professional actors in art cinema worldwide.
Off Screen
Kheda Barech was a local villager from Koker, Iran, who was living a traditional rural life before being discovered by Abbas Kiarostami. She was not a professional actor and returned to her normal village life after filming. Details about her personal life, family, and background remain largely undocumented as she was a private individual who briefly participated in cinema.
Did You Know?
- She was a complete non-actor discovered in her village by Abbas Kiarostami
- Her role as Ahmad's mother was her only film appearance
- She was part of Kiarostami's signature style of using local villagers as actors
- The film 'Where Is The Friend's House?' won numerous international awards
- Her performance contributed to what many consider the first masterpiece of Iranian cinema
- She was paid a modest sum for her role and returned to village life afterward
- The film was shot on location in her actual village of Koker
- Her natural performance style influenced generations of Iranian filmmakers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kheda Barech?
Kheda Barech was a non-professional Iranian villager who played Ahmad's mother in Abbas Kiarostami's acclaimed 1987 film 'Where Is The Friend's House?'. She was discovered in her village of Koker, Iran, and had no prior acting experience.
What films is Kheda Barech best known for?
Kheda Barech is known for only one film role - playing Ahmad's mother in 'Where Is The Friend's House?' (1987), which became an internationally acclaimed masterpiece of Iranian cinema.
When was Kheda Barech born and when did she die?
Specific birth and death dates for Kheda Barech are not documented as she was a private villager rather than a public figure. She was from the village of Koker, Iran, and was active as an adult in 1987.
What awards did Kheda Barech win?
Kheda Barech did not receive individual acting awards as she was a non-professional actor. However, the film 'Where Is The Friend's House?' won numerous international awards including prizes at Cannes and other festivals.
What was Kheda Barech's acting style?
Her acting style was completely naturalistic and authentic, reflecting her real-life experience as a mother. Kiarostami valued this authenticity over professional technique, making her performance emotionally genuine and relatable.
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Films
1 film
